Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin opined that wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan’s inclusion in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad was a result of the Jharkhand captain giving cricket the respect it deserves. On Saturday, December 20, India announced their 15-member squad for the marquee event, with Kishan making an unexpected return to the team, having last played for India in November 2023, more than two years ago.
Reacting to the 27-year-old’s selection in a YouTube video, Ashwin stated that this is a gift cricket has given to Ishan. He noted that Kishan’s comeback is the result of the respect he has shown for the game, his consistent performances in domestic cricket, and the hard work he has put in over the years. Ashwin said:
“This is a gift that cricket has given to Ishan Kishan. Many people from outside can guess what it is, and some may say it’s unfair. But life comes back in circles. The reason Ishan was not in the team earlier, and how he has come back now, has only one reason. He has given cricket the respect it deserves.”
“He played in the Buchi Babu Trophy. A player like Ishan Kishan came and represented Jharkhand in the tournament held in Chennai. He was the number one performer in Ranji Trophy preparations for Jharkhand and once again scored runs in first-class cricket. In SMAT, he led the team to victory, and he also performed exceptionally well. That’s why this is not about Ishan Kishan the person; it’s about Ishan Kishan the cricketer, who went through the yards of the game, respected the game, and hence succeeded,” he added.
Ishan recently led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, defeating Haryana in the final on December 18. The southpaw finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 517 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197.32, including two half-centuries and two centuries, one of which came in the final.
“Selectors are sending a loud and clear message” – R Ashwin on Ishan Kishan’s selection in the T20 World Cup squad
In the same video, Ravichandran Ashwin expressed surprise at Rinku Singh’s inclusion while emphasizing the importance of performing in domestic competitions, citing Ishan Kishan’s selection as an example following his strong showings at the domestic level. Ashwin said:
“Honestly, on the other hand, it was a surprise that Rinku Singh got a chance, and then Ishan Kishan also came in. For many players, especially those playing in the first-class circuit, this is big news that they will have to play SMAT. This again brings you back to the point that some of the bigger players will soon be playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.”
“So the selectors are sending a loud and clear message: whatever player you are, whether big or small, whether you are a newcomer, perform in first-class cricket and we have our eyes on you. Of course, Ishan Kishan has a pedigree. The way he scored a double century in ODI cricket is a testament to his quality. But this is great news for Indian cricket,” he added.
Ishan Kishan has played 61 matches for India across formats, scoring 1,807 runs at an average of 33.46, including 14 half-centuries and one century.
Edited by Dev Sharma
